On-bus ads could help COTA offer free service on new downtown circulator

The Central Ohio Transit Authority is moving forward with plans for its downtown circulator, but still needs to shore up specifics of the new route that will run seven days a week strictly along High and Front streets starting in May.

COTA representatives on Tuesday outlined details of the service at a Downtown Commission meeting, focusing on sidewalk signage that would require city approval.

There’s no special permission needed for COTA to run the circulator, spokesman Marty Stutz told me by phone after the meeting, but details still are being hashed out.

“There’s no obstacles in the way,” he said, “but we’re still in the planning process.”

A major uncertainty is pricing. COTA is exploring the possibility of on-bus advertising that would tell riders about destinations along the route. By partnering with restaurants and shops, Stuz said, the circulator could become COTA’s first free service.

“It could be regular fare all the way down to no fare,” he said, “and anything in between.”

COTA has approached businesses, but has yet to make a financial request, he said.